Anthill gets out of control and continuously fills the VIP communal latrine from the sub-structure to the super structure (question from Uganda)

Hello team,
Here comes a disastrous incident where a community runs out of options as the anthill slowly fills the community shared latrine and desperately seeking for best solution to this problem in Uganda, North eastern region, Karamoja- Nakapiripirit Town council. its a common problem in the area

Re: Anthill gets out of control and continuously fills the VIP communal latrine from the sub-structure to the super structure (question from Uganda)

From the photos you posted, it seems like anthills are a huge endemic problem in that area, as indeed in other parts of Eastern Uganda. The only solution I know of, which we used to employ on our farm in Butaleja as well, is to dig up the anthill to the bottom as much as possible and apply some pesticides to kill off the ants there to prevent a re-growth. There are some effective pesticides available on the Ugandan market for this though I don't remember all their names clearly but if you go to agricultural-input shops in Mbale, you can access them easily along with further advice on how to deal with the issue. I think boric acid can help to prevent re-growth as well.

The area around the latrine also seems quite bushy so I would recommend slashing around it too, to provide better access.

Re: [SuSanA forum] Anthill gets out of control and continuously fills the VIP communal latrine from the sub-structure to the super structure (question from Uganda) (Other types of toilets and sanitation systems)

Thanks for your reply on the above. The un-usual thing about the development of the ant-hill was that, it started erupting inside the sub-structure only realised when it had filled the pit and most chemicals were poured but in vain till it reached the sub-surface which made people fear to use it and resort to open defecation and created fear of digging of related latrines with fear of same eruptions.

Research Associate at Stockholm Environment Institute and Co-lead of SuSanA WG5

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Re: [SuSanA forum] Anthill gets out of control and continuously fills the VIP communal latrine from the sub-structure to the super structure (question from Uganda) (Other types of toilets and sanitation systems)

In that case, you either have to excavate the whole latrine substructure afresh (since it is clear from the photos that it is completely filled) or you have to build up a new latrine and apply the pesticide right from the beginning.

Re: Anthill gets out of control and continuously fills the VIP communal latrine from the sub-structure to the super structure (question from Uganda)

Hi Lowalem,
Think of excavating a new pit, apply anti termite treatment, then put a liner.To me that should be your normal procedure always. This method is also used in building construction during substructures. Is the problem only affecting latrines or other buildings? As for this latrine, no need to fight for solution now, think of new excavation.

Osbert Atwijukye
Msc Civil Eng student Makerere University
Engineer at Water For People-Uganda